Spring Preview: GopherDigest gives our projection at the offensive two-deeps for this spring

Ryan Burns

02/16/2016

With less than two weeks until spring ball begins for Minnesota, GopherDigest projects what the two-deeps will look like for Gophers on offense.

Disclaimer: The players noted below are not including summer enrollee freshman, as this is just who will be participating in spring practice for Minnesota.

Quarterback: Demry Croft (Soph.) - Seth Green (Fr.)

Explanation: Mitch Leidner isn't expected to participate in spring ball with off-season foot surgery, so that'll be a ton of reps for the quarterbacks of the future in sophomore Demry Croft and true freshman Seth Green. Jay Johnson's offense fits their skill sets well, so it'll be fun for fans to see what the future holds for Minnesota getting a lot of reps in every practice.

Running back: Shannon Brooks (Soph.) - Rodney Smith (RSoph.)

Explanation: Gophers will return their two starting tailbacks from 2015 and both have a lot to build on after successful freshmen years.

Explanation: I can't see a scenario where the starting wide receivers wouldn't be Still, Wolitarsky and Carter heading into the spring. All saw extensive playing time in 2015, but do some some young talent behind them. If Gentry can stay healthy, Holland develop his hands and Register expand his route tree, Minnesota could have some young talent at the position.

H-Back: Brandon Lingen (Jr.) - Colton Beebe (RFr.)

"Y" TE: Nate Wozniak (RJr.) - Noah Scarver (RJr.)

Explanation: For those wondering what the difference is between H and Y, the H is more of a hybrid combo between the FB / TE who motions a lot, while the traditional Y TE is the end of the line blocker you'd commonly associate with the position. I think depending on what Minnesota wants to do, I could see a scenario with Beebe and Lingen on the field at the same time as I believe Beebe could have an immediate impact on offense and special teams next year.

Explanation: This group is one that's difficult to project outside of the center position just because there's a lot of moving parts from last year's offensive line and holes to fill. Starts at left tackle where Nick Connelly could be the guy, but I've also heard that JUCO OL Vincent Calhoun could / will get a shot there this spring. Both guard positions should be occupied by the JUCO signees, but former Army All-American Connor Mayes figures to challenge for time as well. Jonah Pirsig also could potentially slide to left tackle as he played some there last year. Going to be a fluid group to start spring ball with.